HRD Turns Down PMO's Idea on Accreditation of Educational Institutions

Highlights:
Javadekar indicated that it would be better if the task of accreditation is given to top notch institutions in the country.

The Ministry of Human Resource and Development is not in favour of accreditation of educational institutions against quality parameters. Earlier, Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had suggested that multiple international agencies can be introduced to ensure greater transparency and appropriate accreditation of institutes.

However, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar is of the opinion that premier institutes like IITs could do a better job if they are assigned the task to accredit the institutes. Earlier, Javadekar had suggested that IIMs, IITs, NITs and institutes of national importance can be roped up in for accreditation.

Former HRD Minister Smriti Irani ran into conflict with PMO regarding the regulatory regime for world class institutes. However, Javadekar resolved the conflict only by accepting a bulk of suggestions from the PMO. The ministry has a different idea only on the matters related to accreditation.

HRD Ministry that is being monitored by the PMO against 45 action points has listed finalised guidelines. The PMO suggested allowing internationally reputed agencies to accredit higher educational institutions in India. Javadekar indicated that it would be better if the task of accreditation is given to top notch educational institutions in the country.

Currently, National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and National Board of Accreditation (NBA) are accrediting the institutes on certain parameters. Javadekar’s idea is to outsource the entire process of accreditation and assessment to IITs, NITs and IIMs. These premier institutes will submit their reports to NBA & NAAC which will decide whether to grant accreditation to the applicant institutes or not.